Judas Priest To Launch New World Tour In 2011

In a recent blog post, KK Downing, guitarist of iconic British heavy metal band Judas Priest, revealed that the band would once again be embarking on a world tour, which will kick off next year. No word was given regarding what the band's setlist would cover. The message reads as follows:

"It seems that the time has come for us to put the touring wheels in motion for our next world tour in 2011!

"It's funny but these days around - about this time - I can't help but reflect on the past when we had to load the touring van ourselves. Sometimes in the ice and snow, being afraid that we would get frostbites on our fingers and not be able to play the gig!

"I remember one winter we had a gig at Hull City Hall in England. We were driving in heavy snow when we hit black ice and the car hit the motorway barriers so hard that it was never able to be driven again. However, it was fortunate that a passing farmer saved the day by letting us pile into his old Land Rover and was kind enough to drive us to the gig!

"It seems just like yesterday, as they say, that we were on tour with our good friends Budgie, Accept, Warlock, AC/DC, Saxon, Pantera... to name just a few. Very good memories indeed!

"Actually, I have just received a copy of Accept's new album Blood of the Nations. And was really happy that Wolf and the boys are still creating great classic metal. I think it was back in '81 that Priest and Accept hit the road together for the first time and what a great tour that was! I really hope that we can meet up with the guys next year, at least on some of the festival dates and have a good laugh when talking about the old times.

"It was our great fortune, as time passed, to go on and tour with almost every band that you can think of. Some tours included very cool line-ups that many people may not even be aware of: e.g. Priest, Whitesnake and Iron Maiden / Priest, Scorpions and Ded Leppard / Priest and UFO... and the list goes on.

"People often ask me what it's like to be on a tour and I always say the same things about it: simply it's the hardest thing that you will ever do, but you wouldn't change it for the world. The travelling becomes such a major part of your life that you actually feel like a piece of luggage yourself! But I must confess when you get to go to places that you have never been before like Korea, Turkey, Romania, Columbia etc. it's no surprise that you feel like the luckiest man alive. I guess mainly because for me - growing up as a kid - thinking of going to any of these places would have been pure fantasy."

Post 11 makes a good point...I've seen Priest many times and I too would love to hear more of the older stuff only....the music that made me a fan as well as a "Heavy Metal" listener, last time around '09 tour, doing all of British Steel was great but what I really enjoyed most was songs like "Steeler" that I had never heard them play before......anyway....will check out there setlist and opening band to see about this tour.....either way, still glad to see the "PRIEST" back on the road!!!!!!

And to the previous posters; why the hell would/should Priest drop their biggest hits? It's not just old school fans that go to their shows, first-timers are going too. You can't not expect them to play their biggest hits. A Priest show without "Living After Midnight" -- yeah, it's only the song that pushed them into the big league.

It would be great to hear some of the older stuff, or some songs that haven't been played as often (Love Bites, Locked In, etc!), but the classics must be played as well! That's like going to a KISS show and not hearing RnR All Night. Some songs are staples.

Saw the mighty Priest a couple of years back in Birmingham Megadeth and Testament were on the bill as well wicked night. That was the first time i saw Priest and it will not be the last. Come on Priest come back to Birmingham!!

Also - "...why the hell would/should Priest drop their biggest hits? It's not just old school fans that go to their shows, first-timers are going too. You can't not expect them to play their biggest hits"

Probably because they have overplayed them? Or because they have Breaking the law (live) on so many of their singles, compilations/best of's etc.

Might be nice to hear Steeler like you said.

Oh and BTW, Living after midnight may have thrust them into the commercial spotlight, but if it weren't for songs like The Ripper, Never Satisfied, Stained Class, etc - they never would have gotten a chance to do British Steel and beyond...

I found a great deal on Judas Priest's "Metalogy" over at www.popmarket.com! I haven't found this set for a cheaper price yet which includes 5 discs of over 60+ songs! Just letting all you other fans know!

I found a great deal on Judas Priest's "Metalogy" over at popmarket.com! I haven't found this set for a cheaper price yet which includes 5 discs of over 60+ songs! Just letting all you other fans know!